No, despite the misleading picture, this is not a post about adopting a dog.  Züri already belongs to us.Â
One of the difficult things about being far away from friends and family is knowing that you are missing important moments in life. Â Sometimes we miss out on the little things, like celebrating a birthday or going for a bike ride with my dad. Â And sometimes, like today, we miss big things.Â
Today marked a significant moment for my dear friend Kathie and her daughter Madison.  Kathie has been caring for and loving Madison for the last 2 years as a foster parent. Today they officially finalized Madison’s adoption.Â
It is disappointing to know that we were not there to share the excitement of this important milestone.  We got text messages with updates and pictures, but it isn’t entirely the same.  I know that Madison doesn’t even know what the fuss is about, let alone that we were missing from the festivities.  But we know.  And it hurts a little to know that missing these moments is the tradeoff for the incredible adventure we are on.  Honestly, it was the fear of missing these moments that held us back from leaving sooner.
We have been traveling for 6 months now.  Inevitably we miss many more important moments.  Moments filled with happiness, sadness, joy, pain, laughter and so much more.  My hope is that we can also create new memories along the way. And, that we can be present enough to savor the experiences we have, both on the road and when we return.Â
For Madison,
Today is the day you were adopted by your mom!  You probably won’t remember this day, but we have been looking forward to it for a long time.Â
You have been a part of your family since you were born. Â I remember hearing about you when you were still in the NICU and being excited when you were strong enough to come home. Â I met you a few days later, at one of Yioanna’s gymnastics competitions. Â You were the youngest fan in the crowd and Georgie held you tenderly while you slept through most of the competition.Â
Over the last two years I have enjoyed watching your grow. Â You are clever and independent. You have a goofy sense of humor and an infectious giggle. Â And we watched your mom grow deeper and deeper in love with you. Â I’ve known your mom for over 20 years (any many more by the time you will see this) and I have never seen anything make her as happy as you do.
When we learned that you would not be able to return to your biological family, we found comfort in knowing that you would be able to remain in the only home you have ever known. And that you will always be surrounded by people who love you beyond belief.  People who can no longer imagine what life would be like without you.Â
Today you are surrounded by family and friends who came to share this special moment. I am not able to be there, but Rich and I are celebrating far away in France. This morning we called you to say congratulations. We watched you brush your teeth and draw pictures. You wore your stylish sunglasses and posed for a picture on the front porch before you left for the courthouse. Rich, Züri and I took a picture to remember where we were and Züri gave me a huge high five!
Now that you are officially here to stay, we look forward to supporting you through many more milestones. Â
Love,Â
Sara
